Seventeen Cosmetology students graduated July 5 during a ceremony at EMCC's Golden Triangle campus. Shelby Rhea of Maben was named Outstanding Cosmetology Student, and instructor Beth Martin said the competition was tough: “This has been my best class yet. Each one of the students worked very hard throughout the year.”

The first time EMCC cosmetology graduate Chris Clark cut someone’s hair other than his own, it did not go well: “It was my first cousin when we were kids. I kinda cut a plug out of his hair. He reminds me of it to this day.” The 22-year-old from Starkville can laugh because he doesn’t make many mistakes these days -- and his regular customers at Kustom Kutz and Stylz will vouch for him.

Competitors from East Mississippi Community College left the Mississippi SkillsUSA technical competition Feb. 26 in Biloxi with seven first-place finishes. These students will advance in June to the National Skills USA competition in Kansas City, Mo.

Kim King of Louisville has wanted to be a cosmetologist since she was 5 years old. She was one of 16 cosmetology students who graduated July 1 during commencement ceremonies at EMCC's Golden Triangle campus ... and she's already got a job waiting.